The main goal of this book is to propose a sociological approach to the role and place of forensic genetics in the governance of crime in contem-porary societies. The presented themes are a reaction to the generalized enthusiasm generated around the potential of DNA technologies. We have attempted to explore in depth the complexity inherent in this social phenomenon.
Each chapter highlights a singular dimension of how forensic genetics are used in the governance of crime. As a whole, the different dimensions being analysed point to fundamental reconfigurations in social relation-ships, as well as to the ethical and legal implications of the use of DNA technologies in criminal justice systems. Among other aspects, the use of DNA technologies has implications for the way societies attribute meaning
and classify and conceive the human body, the genetic links between indi-viduals and groups and the physical appearance of indiindi-viduals and popula-tions. It also has a profound impact on the practices of several professional groups, from forensic geneticists, to police forces, criminal investigators, diverse stakeholders and the citizens. Finally, the use of DNA technologies in the criminal justice system has diverse and deep implications in the way institutions and public policies manage expectations for the governance of crime, namely in terms of police and judicial cooperation initiatives whereby DNA data and information are exchanged to support transna-tional criminal investigations.
The considerations developed in this book begin by illustrating the role of sociology in the study of the micro/macro and subjective/objective dimensions of the social processes and dynamic generated by the presence of DNA technologies in the criminal justice systems (Chap. 2). Such dimensions provide context, norms and values to the social actions of het-erogeneous actors, namely: laboratory technicians, forensic genetics researchers, police forces, judges, prosecutors, attorneys, jurors, profes-sional organizations, supervising entities, non-governmental entities, poli-ticians, criminals, victims and citizens in general. Based upon this polysemic framing, we describe the emergence and consolidation of social studies for forensic genetics. In particular, we explore the scientific and legal contro-versies that have marked the creation, stabilization and consolidation of the protocols, quality patterns, expert communities and legislation focused on the use of DNA technologies in the criminal justice system. Such an analysis is followed by a summary description of the way several research methods and techniques (document analysis, interviews, surveys, observa-tion, focus groups, among others) have been used in this field of study, while also providing a multifaceted image of this phenomenon.
Subsequently, to contextualize the broader scenarios that transcend the application of forensic genetics in the justice system, we engage in a critical debate about the biological explanations of criminal behaviour. Throughout Chap. 3, we emphasize how it proved to be particularly relevant to trace the field’s history, from biological determinism—outlining its severe implications for individuals classified as “born criminals”—until the most recent biogenetic explanations. The current development of epigenetics and neurobiology frame the new discussions about nature versus nurture, fostering new ways to act upon certain social groups considered as risky, even in the absence of any deviant or criminal behaviour.
The next two chapters of the book frame and describe the way DNA technologies have been used in courts and in the field of criminal investi-gation. In Chap. 4, we highlight the idiosyncrasies of the various epistemic cultures involved in the chain of custody through which DNA circulates from the crime scene to the courts of law. The risks associated with the high expectations placed upon DNA potential to solve criminal cases are explored in detail. We also analyse the role of media in the dissemination of notions of DNA as an “infallible” technology. Another theme that mer-its our attention is the creation and expansion of criminal databases con-taining thousands of DNA profiles, where we also note the ethical and human rights issues stemming from this phenomenon. Finally, Chap. 5 also provides the reader with a brief discussion about Big Data in the con-text of the growing collection of data in the present information society, more particularly by reflection upon how Big Data can potentially support criminal investigations due to its ability to predict and anticipate risks.
Taking as the starting point the consolidation and expansion of forensic genetics in the governance of crime, in terms of both impact and reach, the last chapters of the book are dedicated to debating the way DNA tech-nologies have proliferated in contemporary societies while finding new frameworks for application on the justice system. One example of those configurations is linked to the growing interoperability between forensic DNA databases, which is the topic of discussion in Chap. 6.
The interoperability of forensic DNA databases is illustrated by the cre-ation of the Prüm system, which aims to control and surveil irregular mobilities within the European Union by exchanging data transnationally.
In this regard, we outline how the transnational exchange of DNA data emerged as a project whose goal was aimed towards overcoming the social and political disparities in the European Union. Nevertheless, it is clear that such a goal of overcoming disparities through technological standard-ization is nowadays paired with the consolidation of a system of wider social sorting that highlights several geopolitical tensions.
Chapter 7 focuses on the expansion of the use of forensic genetic nologies by discussing the current development of emergent DNA tech-nologies that make it possible to generate intelligence to search for criminal suspects. We explore the implications of the use of particular technologies like familial searching and forensic DNA phenotyping. Such technologies aim to help criminal investigations to place their attention on specific sus-pect groups, thereby moving forensic genetics from individual identifica-tion towards the collectivizaidentifica-tion of suspicion. In addiidentifica-tion, these emerging
technologies also showcase the co-evolving relation between science, jus-tice and the market. As a result, the governance of data has become the focal point of debates, coexisting and reconfiguring older debates focused upon topics such as genetic privacy, ownership of personal data and data usage consent.